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9 minutes readContents
- Where Should I Stay in Paris?
- Recommendations on Where to Stay in Paris, France
- Le Marais, 4th Arrondissement
- Saint-Germain-des-Pres, 6th Arrondissement
- Montmartre, 18th Arrondissement
- The Louvre, 1st Arrondissement
- The Champs-Elysees, 8th Arrondissement
- Rue Cler, 7th Arrondissement
- Canal Saint-Martin, 10th Arrondissement
- Book Your Paris Accommodation with ZenHotels
Where Should I Stay in Paris?
The beauty of Paris is that every street is a little different. You never know what you’re going to find when you walk through Paris, from its canal streets to its luxury shops. The arrondissements that make up Paris feel more like villages than city districts. Each neighborhood has its own personality, and you’ll find a range of chain hotels, alongside boutique and independent hotels in each area.
Photo: Catarina Belova/ shutterstock.com
When you’re deciding where to stay in Paris, it’s a good idea to start by deciding which neighborhood you want to stay in. The main way to move around Paris is with the metro system, which has over 300 stations and 16 lines. However, there are also trams and buses you can use to explore the city. Consider which transportation you’re comfortable taking or if you want to stay in an area where you can explore Paris on foot.
Reviews can help you choose the best hotel to stay in Paris for your budget.
Here’s a round-up of our recommendations for three common traveler types:
- First-time visitors: Stay in the heart of the city to immerse yourself in everything Paris has to offer. Le Marais will put the medieval parts of the city on your doorstep, while the 7th arrondissement has the main tourist attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, within easy walking distance.
- In search of nightlife and food: You can’t go to Paris without indulging in French cuisine and the city’s famous nightlife. If that’s the focus of your trip to Paris, choose a neighborhood with a range of different cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as nightclubs and jazz bars. The 2nd arrondissement, Le Marais, and the 8th arrondissement are the perfect choice.
- Budget travelers: Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, meaning most central locations will set you back a pretty penny. If you’re on a budget or want a more affordable accommodation option, check out the 9th or 18th arrondissements.
Recommendations on Where to Stay in Paris, France
Whether you’re a first-time visitor heading to France on a bucket list trip or a solo traveler in search of Paris’ famous nightlife, we have a neighborhood recommendation for every type of traveler.
We’re sharing the most popular arrondissements to stay in, along with a hotel recommendation for each.
Le Marais, 4th Arrondissement
Where to stay: Sinner Paris
Le Marais gives you a little of everything that Paris has to offer. This neighborhood is full of historic architecture with independent museums located throughout and streets that offer endless surprises. What makes Le Marais unique is that it’s one of the few areas that stays open on a Sunday, with its stores also being open all day.
This area is perfect for shopping, whether you’re looking for vintage designer clothes or antique French cuisine. BHV Marais is one of the main department stores and will offer most of the brands you’re looking for under one roof.
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Le Marais is a cultural hub with the Picasso Museum and Carnavalet Museum, alongside some of the best food you’ll find in Paris. Make sure to grab a reservation at Marche des Enfants-Rouges or Datil.
The “Sinner Paris” hotel is a short walk from Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre, with plenty of smaller attractions, such as the National Archives, nearby. This hotel is the perfect option if you want access to spa facilities and modern interiors.
Saint-Germain-des-Pres, 6th Arrondissement
Where to stay: Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Pres Paris
Considered one of the trendiest areas in Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Pres is the beating heart of Paris’ cultural scene. It’s long been home to writers, philosophers, and artists, with a myriad of little cafes to explore. This area is where you’ll find some of the city’s best-hidden spots, from streets with splashes of color to buildings that make you stop and stare.
Photo: Eric Isselee/ shutterstock.com
There are plenty of major tourist attractions in the nearby areas, including Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Plan a stop at Flore and Les Deux Magots for a pastry and coffee, as they’re two of the most popular cafes in the area.
The “Citadines” hotel is close to the River Seine and puts all the major tourist attractions right on your doorstep with three metro stations within a few minutes of a walk from the hotel.
Montmartre, 18th Arrondissement
Where to stay: Hotel Apolonia Paris Montmartre, Sure Hotel Collection by BW
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist streets, while still staying centrally, check out Montmartre. You get an authentic village feel with cobblestones and plenty of traditional restaurants and cafes to answer any of your food cravings. This hilly area has a classic French feel to it, putting you at a vantage point for some of the best views over the city.
Montmartre is a popular choice for couples visiting on honeymoon or vacation as it’s considered one of the most romantic parts of Paris. You can imagine walking hand in hand down the cobble streets, exploring the cafes and galleries that pop up along the way. You’ll even find a vineyard in Montmartre, saving you a trip out of the city.
Photo: Catarina Belova/ shutterstock.com
If your idea of Paris has been formed by Old Hollywood movies and Pinterest boards, this is the area you’ll want to stay in. It’s a popular area for filming movies and TV shows with a distinctive old-world feel, from its vintage cafes to its little boutique shops. Plan to stop by the rose gardens at the Musee de Montmartre and grab reservations at some of the most in-demand restaurants, including Chez Euguene and Sushi Shunei.
The “Hotel Apolonia” is situated right next to the Lamarck — Caulaincourt metro station, making it an ideal base for those who want to explore the city by metro. You can easily reach the Pigalle area, where most of Paris’ wildest nightlife can be found.
The Louvre, 1st Arrondissement
Where to stay: Hotel Malte – Astotel
If the Louvre is top of your travel itinerary for Paris, you’ll want to stay in the 1st Arrondissement. This area has something to offer every lover of art and culture, as well as those hoping to add to their closet while in the French capital.
Photo by Daniele D’Andreti and Hugo Delauney on Unsplash
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, this area will put all the city’s iconic sights and architecture right on your doorstep. You’ll be able to see most of the city by getting around on foot or by using the metro. If you only have a few days in Paris, this is a great choice of where to stay. Take in the sights of the Tuileries, the Louvre, and the Seine.
Some of the best shopping areas can be found in the 1st arrondissement, including Rue Saint-Honoré, where you’ll find a myriad of high-end stores, from Goyard to Galeries Lafayette. These streets still have a medieval feel, giving you a unique shopping experience. Enjoy some window shopping at Chanel or grab a table at Le Castiglione and spend the afternoon people-watching over a cappuccino.
Immerse yourself in French culture with a hotel that feels like you’re stepping back in time. Hotel Malte is one of the highest-rated hotels in Paris and has won multiple TripAdvisor awards.
The Champs-Elysees, 8th Arrondissement
Where to stay: Maison Delano Paris
Put yourself at the heart of the action by staying in the 8th arrondissement. The Champs Elysees is the main attraction of this area, where you’ll find the flagship stores for some of France’s most iconic brands, including Louis Vuitton and Cartier. This area offers something for every type of traveler and has a regal feel with stunning architecture that feels like you’re stepping onto a movie set.
Photo: givaga / shutterstock.com
The Metro Line 1 will take you through the city center. The 8th arrondissement is an ideal option if you want a family-friendly area to stay in as these streets are designed to deal with the high-tourist footfall, making it easier to navigate your way around with a stroller or kids. You’ll find everything you need within a few streets.
If you want to splurge on a luxury vacation to Paris, Maison Delano is just a few streets from the Champs-Elysees with just 56 rooms across 5 floors.
Rue Cler, 7th Arrondissement
Where to stay: Duc de Saint-Simon
If you’ve always dreamed of waking up and seeing the Eiffel Tower, this area of the city is where you’ll want to stay. It’s an upscale neighborhood and home to Rue Cler, one of the most popular parts of Paris for tourists in search of mouth-watering cuisine. Set aside some time to explore the independent cafes and restaurants dotted throughout the district.
Photo: JeniFoto / shutterstock.com
Although in the center of Paris, Rue Cler has several quieter streets, ideal for families or travelers who want to unwind and relax in the evening. You’ll be within walking distance of most of the popular tourist attractions with plenty of metro stations nearby.
The boutique hotel of Duc de Saint-Simon has just 34 rooms, giving you a more intimate experience at the heart of Paris, putting all the main attractions right on your doorstep.
Canal Saint-Martin, 10th Arrondissement
Where to stay: Maison Mere
If you’re planning on coming to Paris by Eurostar, the Maison Mere hotel is conveniently located near Gare du Nord station. Similarly, it’s a great spot if you’re planning on visiting other cities in Europe or want to take a trip to Disneyland using the train service.
10th Arrondissement is close to other trendy neighborhoods, including Montmartre. The Place de la Republique is where you’ll find most of the nightlife in this area, including bars, with stores dotted along the canal for grabbing souvenirs. Plan a visit to Marche Saint-Martin and Rue Saint-Marthe to explore the food stalls and restaurants.
Photo: Alexander Demyanenko/ shutterstock.com
Canal Saint-Martin runs through the district and is one of the liveliest parts of Paris. You’ll find trendy bars like Gravity alongside popular cafes for people watching, such as Chez Prune. Marais and Bastille are only a few stops away from Canal Saint-Martin by metro if you want to explore more clubs, cafes, and bars.
This area is quickly becoming one of the most exciting up-and-coming areas in Paris with international cuisine, including many Turkish restaurants, to offer something for everyone’s taste buds.
Book your Paris accommodation with ZenHotels
Everyone deserves to visit Paris at least once. Whether you’re going solo, traveling with friends, or celebrating a romantic occasion, Paris is a city unlike any other. At ZenHotels, we’re here to help streamline the process of finding the best places to stay in Paris.
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Get access to the best rates on hotels in Paris and throughout France, as well as over 220 other countries with ZenHotels. Download the ZenHotels mobile app to access exclusive rates even lower than on our website.
Start planning your dream vacation to Paris today with ZenHotels.
